Robert Bresson's Pickpocket is undoubtedly an influential film, an early example of the criminal without a motive, doing what he does because he can, and because he's convinced himself there's virtue in it, something embraced be later crime drama. Indeed, Martin LaSalle's Michel is on a quest to FIND a motive for his crimes, paying his mother's bills or her caretaker's (played by France's answer to Natalie Portman, Marika Green), but it's never truly convincing. Only in the ironic finish is he "freed" by an actual human connection. But here's the problem. LaSalle is a sleight of hand expert - and consequently, the most interesting part of the film is the pickpocketing choreography that will have you checking your pockets in public places hereafter - but not a professional actor, and while that does support the character's disconnectedness, he walks through the film stone-faced and it all seems very stagey. People moving to marks and reading dialog at a director's command, but as lifeless puppets. But it seems to be the style, because no one much emotes, perhaps as a correction so LaSalle's acting doesn't seem too out of place.
A lead that can't act, a movie that begins by a disclaimer that does not correspond to what is shown (how is he a victim?), a very predictable story, and an over pronunciation of every word that makes it so painful to watch. Why the hell is it ranked so high?
Strange to see so many images of the main character just staring straight ahead, just past the camera. The lingering stares were a bit off-putting at first but then I actually appreciated them, giving me time to soak up the scene and the message. I had the odd feeling that Martin La Salle's suit jacket was a size or two too big for him. It kept distracting me!
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voltesque
A cinematic jewel. The execution of the pickpocket scenes were entrancing.Siskoid
Robert Bresson's Pickpocket is undoubtedly an influential film, an early example of the criminal without a motive, doing what he does because he can, and because he's convinced himself there's virtue in it, something embraced be later crime drama. Indeed, Martin LaSalle's Michel is on a quest to FIND a motive for his crimes, paying his mother's bills or her caretaker's (played by France's answer to Natalie Portman, Marika Green), but it's never truly convincing. Only in the ironic finish is he "freed" by an actual human connection. But here's the problem. LaSalle is a sleight of hand expert - and consequently, the most interesting part of the film is the pickpocketing choreography that will have you checking your pockets in public places hereafter - but not a professional actor, and while that does support the character's disconnectedness, he walks through the film stone-faced and it all seems very stagey. People moving to marks and reading dialog at a director's command, but as lifeless puppets. But it seems to be the style, because no one much emotes, perhaps as a correction so LaSalle's acting doesn't seem too out of place.AliciaHub
A lead that can't act, a movie that begins by a disclaimer that does not correspond to what is shown (how is he a victim?), a very predictable story, and an over pronunciation of every word that makes it so painful to watch. Why the hell is it ranked so high?Emiam
6+/10SVT Play. Classic. Had expected more. But certainly you see film technology qualities. Intense and skillful. Good length.
iCheckFilms
A Gem.corchap
Simple story but packs a wallop. Gentle build of tension and those pickpocket scenes were moments of perfection. Exactly what cinephiles look formarcemedi
The scenes of stealing pockets makes this movie so peculiar.ClassicLady
Strange to see so many images of the main character just staring straight ahead, just past the camera. The lingering stares were a bit off-putting at first but then I actually appreciated them, giving me time to soak up the scene and the message. I had the odd feeling that Martin La Salle's suit jacket was a size or two too big for him. It kept distracting me!george4mon
i agree great film!George Bailey
Amazingcanaan
this was great. a good followup for me after really enjoying a man escapednes1983
Some films just fly right past me. In these movies, I don't see the point. I'm not following. I don't care. This is one of those films.Dolwphin
The only positive in this film for me was Marika Green; it is a pity that she was not as naked as the narrative technique.Skyscore
http://www.afisha.ru/movie/170214/review/146473/